7-Eleven Plans to Remodel -- Simpsons-Style

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7-Eleven Plans to Remodel -- Simpsons-Style

03/26/2007

RICHMOND, Va. -- As a promotional effort around the upcoming "The Simpsons Movie," 7-Eleven Inc. is planning to refit 11 stores across the U.S. to resemble the front of the Kwik-E-Mart, the convenience store that Homer and other characters frequent in the classic cartoon TV series, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.

Though 7-Eleven said the deal isn't finalized yet, officials with the chain showcased the planned promotional efforts for the upcoming film and others during a company event at the Greater Richmond Convention Center last week, the newspaper said.

Customers will be able to buy products inspired by the nearly two-decades-old show, including KrustyO's cereal, Buzz Cola and iced Squishees (the cup says Squishee, but the contents will be Slurpee), according to the newspaper. The chain also will use pictures of Simpsons characters to promote 7-Eleven's line of fresh foods, such as placing the face of Homer and his classic "Mmmm . . . sandwich" quip on sandwich wrappers.

It was unclear which 11 of 7-Eleven's more than 4,700 locations nationwide would receive a cartoony facelift or sell the inventory of Simpsons-inspired products.

"The Simpsons Movie," hits theaters July 27.

7-Eleven also is lining up deals with the "Spider-Man" franchise in advance of the third installment in May. The promotion will feature Black Cherry Lemonade Slurpees and collectible Slurpee cups with three-dimensional graphics on the side.

Additionally, the retailer plans to use the June sequel to "Fantastic Four" to promote the Slurpee energy drink it launched last year, called Full Throttle.

7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that contracts on the promotions have yet to be signed with the movie studios. "We've done research, and research shows us that our customers like ... movies, so we're getting involved with some major studios on some of their properties this summer."

The company will release more information in coming weeks, Chabris said.